Chapter 4.3, Problem 2WE

To determine

To Simplify: The expression $a^2\cdot a^2$

Answer to Problem 2WE

The required answer is $a^4$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

The expression $a^2\cdot a^2$

Concept Used:

An exponent represents the number of times the base is used as a factor.

For Example:

  $a^3=a\cdot a\cdot a$

Rule of exponents for product of powers states that to multiply two powers with same base, the exponents are added.

For example $a^m\cdot a^n=a^{m+n}$

Calculation:

  $a^2\cdot a^2$

Using rule of exponents for product of powers

  $\begin{array}{l}=a^{2+2}\\ =a^4\end{array}$